UK’s biggest crane lifts M8 footbridge

A giant Gottwald AK680 crane, the largest mobile crane in the UK, with a 90m jib and 600t of superlift counterweight was used to install the new Harthill footbridge over the M8 motorway in Scotland.

The lifting operation required an overnight closure of the busy motorway, and the bridge weighing 230t, had already been completely assembled off-site and trial erected.

Working on behalf of main contractor Raynesway Construction steelwork contractor SH Structures delivered the bridge to site in seven sections before welding them together, prior to the lift.

The steel bridge has a 90m span, comprising a helical lattice truss formed from tubular steel which supports a fully glazed walkway.

The Harthill footbridge links two service stations either side of the M8 and replaces an older structure which will be dismantled over the coming weeks.